blue-mouthed turban
Nameblue-mouthed turban
Scientific NameTectus niloticus
Common Nameblue-mouthed turban
FamilyTrochidae
GenusTectus
Speciesniloticus
Geographic DistributionIndo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the central Pacific, including areas like the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)100
Identifying FeaturesConical shape, large size, heavy shell, flattened base, brilliantly nacreous aperture, and a prominent, thick, calcareous, bluish-white operculum. The outer surface is often eroded or covered in marine growth.
Raritycommon
Author Citation(Linnaeus, 1767)
Description
A large, heavy, conical marine gastropod shell, commonly known as the blue-mouthed turban. Its exterior is typically dull, mottled, and often encrusted with marine growth, while its interior aperture is brilliantly nacreous, displaying pearly white with iridescent hues. A key identifying feature is its thick, calcareous, bluish-white operculum, which gives rise to its common name. This species is a common inhabitant of shallow tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs and rocky shores.
